17 states get an ‘F’ on workplace policies for new parents

So much for family values in America: 17 states earned an “F” for their policies (or lack thereof) that support new parents in the workplace, according to a report released Thursday.

The National Partnership for Women & Families, a Washington-based advocacy group, graded states based on the degree to which their laws expand upon the minimal federal leave and protections available to workers in the U.S. Federal laws focus on pregnancy discrimination, provide unpaid leave, and help nursing mothers at work, but do not mandate any paid leave.

“New mothers and fathers should not have to experience financial hardship at what should be one of the happiest times of their lives,” Debra Ness, president of the National Partnership, said in a statement.

No state earned a perfect mark, but California came closest with an “A-,” thanks to the availability of paid family leave and paid pregnancy benefits, among other programs. Lagging California, 10 states earned a “B,” eight states got a “C,” and 14 states took home a “D.” Among the 17 states with a big, fat “F” were Arizona, Georgia and North Dakota.

“The United States lacks national policies that guarantee paid family and medical leave, paid sick days, pregnancy accommodations, and other support to expecting and new parents,” according to the report. “Some states do better by offering more support to working parents and providing good models for changes at the national level. Still, too many parents are left on their own.”

The U.S.’s federal policies look particularly meager when compared with other developed countries. The country stands out as the only one within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, a 34-nation group that includes some of the world’s largest economies, that provides zero weeks of paid maternity leave. The International Labour Organization, a United Nations agency that sets standards for “decent and productive work,” says maternity benefits should be at least 14 weeks.

On Monday, the White House is holding a summit about working families, focusing on issues such as paid leave, equal pay and workplace flexibility.